Explain the changes in the sculpture of Rajasthan in the post-Gupta period. Write about the characteristics of the major sculptures and temples of this era.गुप्तोत्तर काल में राजस्थान की मूर्तिकला में आए परिवर्तनों की व्याख्या करें। इस युग की प्रमुख मूर्तियों एवं मंदिरों की विशेषताओं का उल्लेख लिखिए।

Q.9 Explain the changes in the sculpture of Rajasthan in the post-Gupta period. Write about the characteristics of the major sculptures and temples of this era.

गुप्तोत्तर काल में राजस्थान की मूर्तिकला में आए परिवर्तनों की व्याख्या करें। इस युग की प्रमुख मूर्तियों एवं मंदिरों की विशेषताओं का उल्लेख लिखिए।

Ans : During the post-Gupta period (6th century to 12th century), sculpture in Rajasthan experienced remarkable development. During this period, sculptures displayed power, valor, and emotional expression, along with a dominance of ornamentation. The depiction of various forms of deities and the tradition of temple construction enriched sculpture.

1. Changes in Sculpture of Rajasthan during Post-Gupta Period:
   1. Diversity in Themes: In this period, in addition to deities, sculptures also depicted mythological narratives, celestial nymphs, amorous figures, and glimpses of everyday life. The concept of combined sculptures of the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) and Harihara (a combination of Shiva and Vishnu) emerged.
   1. Artistic Characteristics: A blend of power and valor with the sweetness and softness of Gupta-period art. Sculptures emphasized beauty, dynamism, emotional expressions, and the prominence of halos. The sculptures featured intricate ornamentation, varied bodily postures, and fine artistic details.
   1. Religious Pluralism and Tolerance: Sculptures of Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Jainism, and Buddhism were made in equal measure. Due to the spirit of religious tolerance, sculptures of deities from different sects were placed together in the same complex (such as in Osian, where Vaishnavite, Shaivite, and Jain temples coexist).
2. Important Sculptures of Post-Gupta Period:
   1. Shaivite Sculptures:
      1. Rangmahal (Hanumangarh): A one-faced Shiva Lingam, with a depiction of Shiva with three eyes and wearing a jata-mukut (hair crown).
      1. Chandrabhaaga (Jhalarapatan): The Sheetleshwar Mahadev Temple (689 CE), Rajasthan’s oldest dated temple.
      1. Dungarpur Museum: Shiva sculptures adorned with halos and including the throne.
   1. Vaishnavite Sculptures:
      1. Roopawas (Bharatpur): Large statues of Chakradhara Vishnu and the serpent-headed Balram.
      1. Bhinmal (Jalore) and Hemawas (Pali): Grand statues of Vishnu, featuring a conch, discus, mace, and lotus.
   1. Jain Sculptures:
      1. Osian (Jodhpur): Jain Tirthankara statues and Sachiya Mata Temple.
      1. Delwara (Sirohi): Excellent examples of Jain sculpture in the Vimal Vasahi and Lun Vasahi temples.
      1. Pallu (Ganganagar) and Ladnun (Nagaur): Jain sculptures of Vagdevi (Saraswati), showcasing artistic excellence from this period.
3. Major Temples of Post-Gupta Period:
   1. Shaivite Temples:
      1. Chandrabhaaga’s Sheetleshwar Mahadev Temple (Jhalarapatan): Rajasthan’s oldest dated temple (689 CE).
      1. Mukundra (Kota) Shiva Temple: A symbol of post-Gupta art in the Hadoti region.
   1. Jain Temples:
      1. Osian Jain Temples (Jodhpur): The Jain Tirthankara Parshvanatha statue in the Pratihara-period Sun Temple.
      1. Ranakpur (Pali) Jain Temple: Built in the 15th century, famous for intricate carvings and grandeur of its pillars.
   1. Vaishnavite Temples:
      1. Amer (Jaipur) Jagatshironmani Temple: Built by Maharaja Mansingh’s queen Kankavati.
      1. Nathdwara (Rajsamand) Shrinath Ji Temple: The center of sculpture related to the Vallabh sect.
4. Cultural Harmony and Religious Tolerance:
   1. Harihara Sculptures: Sculptures of the combined form of Vishnu and Shiva remained popular.
   1. Trinity Sculptures: Sculptures of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh in Lodrva (Jaisalmer) and Katara (Bharatpur).
   1. Vaishnavite-Shaivite-Jain Harmony: The co-existence of temples of all major religions in Osian.

Sculpture in Rajasthan during the post-Gupta period reached maturity. This era’s sculpture included religious diversity, artistic excellence, a focus on ornamentation, and depictions of everyday life. The sculptures embodied an extraordinary fusion of power, valor, and emotion. Shaivite, Vaishnavite, and Jain temples and sculptures in Rajasthan reflect the rich tradition of Indian sculpture and express the spirit of religious tolerance.

Source : Old RBSE Class 11 : Page 38